2260615

to construct a new dwelling house, effluent treatment system and polishing filter as well as all ancillary site works.Gross floor space of proposed works 133.80sqm.

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The application was refused because the applicants failed to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need in a sensitive landscape, and the site's poor drainage characteristics posed a risk to public health and nearby protected Natura 2000 sites.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The applicants failed to provide sufficient evidence of a genuine rural-generated housing need or strong local links to the area, as required for a site located within a Class 3 Landscape with a 'special' sensitivity rating under Policy Objective RH 4.
  • The proposed development is proximate to several Natura 2000 sites, and due to poor drainage characteristics, the planning authority could not rule out significant adverse effects on the integrity of these protected European sites.
  • The site exhibits poor subsoil permeability and high water table levels, meaning it cannot safely dispose of domestic effluent in accordance with EPA standards, posing a serious risk to public health and surface water quality.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Policy Objective RC 2Policy Objective NBH 1Policy Objective NBH 2Policy Objective NBH 3Policy Objective WR 1Policy Objective LCM 3Policy Objective WW 6Policy Objective WW 11Policy Objective RH 4Policy Objective RH 9DM Standard 7DM Standard 8DM Standard 9DM Standard 11DM Standard 28DM Standard 29DM Standard 36DM Standard 38DM Standard 46DM Standard 47DM Standard 50DM Standard 63

Decision Document Summary

This planning application sought permission for a single-storey dwelling, effluent treatment system, and ancillary works at Barnahallia, Clifden, Co. Galway. The site is located in a sensitive coastal landscape (Class 3) near several protected Natura 2000 sites. Galway County Council refused the proposal on three main grounds: the failure of the applicants to substantiate a specific rural housing need for this location, the potential for negative impacts on nearby Special Areas of Conservation (...
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